and they're letting harry reid know that. the leader, one of his functions and tasks is to be a lightning rod and take the heat for others. and there's no doubt that harry reid has been told by many senators, don't bring it to a vote. you don't have the votes, and so what point will be served then, and you're going to hurt me in my next election. that's a reality that's occurred for the 225 years that the united states senate has existed or whatever the length of time is. nothing new about that, piers. but you're also finding out, you've got 28 votes for, 35 votes against. and i think that the rest of the votes you get to the extent that you can get a decision, will be probably even more weighted against. and so i think it's a very tough situation for all concerned. as i said, i don't know all the details. my own view is, i think an -- i believe an assault weapons ban is justified and would serve a useful purpose. to the argument made earlier on your show about the camel's nose under the tent or the slippery slope if you limi